Premier Alex Scott paid tribute to two of Bermuda?s artists as he opened a Bermuda National Gallery exhibition on Friday.

The Gallery?s annual winter exhibition this year includes work by Georgine Hill and deForest (Shorty) Trimingham.

The Premier referred to the show as ?magnificent display of artistic fare?.

?As we can see from the portraits of Georgine Hill to the photography of Shorty Trimingham, we are given insight to our history, to our traditions, and to our cultural and aesthetic aspirations,? he said.

?In fact, as I walked through the gallery and saw images by such notable individuals as my former high school teacher, Charles Lloyd Tucker and my personal and very talented friend Richard Saunders, I suddenly realised that the works on display this evening help provide a framework of Bermuda?s creative culture.?

The exhibition is actually six shows in one ? on display is the Gallery?s African collection, together with a series of landscapes by local artists, a collection of landscapes and seascapes by European Masters, its ?Bermuda Collection? representing 350 years of art in Bermuda and tributes to Ms Hill and Mr. Trimingham.

?Artists have often been seen as the forward-thinkers and visionaries of our time. Georgine and deForest Trimingham certainly fit this mold,? Mr. Scott said. Ms Hill is probably better known for her role in fighting desegregation in the 1940s and 1950s, but the Premier reminded those gathered that after her studies at the Massachusetts College of Art, Ms Hill became the first art teacher in Bermuda?s public school system.

Over a 20 year period, Ms Hill was ?committed to developing Bermuda?s youth and their artistic abilities?, he said. ?She imparted her creative wisdom and nurtured their talents, and under her stewardship many Bermudians went on to achieve success not only in the discipline of fine art, but also in whatever field of endeavour they chose.

?But Georgine is probably most remembered for her role as a human rights activist. As a vital member of the Progressive Group, serving with the likes of Comrade Richard Lynch and Edward DeJean, she showed considerable courage during a time when it was considered socially taboo to fight for justice, equality and the rights of those who were downtrodden.

?Through their perseverance in such historical events as the theatre boycott in 1959, Bermuda saw the end of segregation in public places.

?Yet it is her stature as an artist which brings us here this evening. And after so many years it is a delight to finally see her virtually unknown portraitures being given tribute for all of Bermuda to appreciate.?

Mr. Trimingham marched to the beat of his own drum when he ?reached beyond commerce and followed his calling, his heart, and his art. As a result he has become a giant in his own right. When he found his niche in photography at a mature stage in his life, he gave new meaning to the phrase ?it?s never too late to pursue your dream and passion,?? the Premier said.

?Considered by many to be a man of the world, Shorty Trimingham travelled to such far away countries as China, Japan and Tibet, capturing the essence of these unique cultures through photography.

?His love affair with the Buddhist culture has been documented in photography, winning him international acclaim, and over the years he has presented us with images that speak of human frailty, vulnerability and innocence.?

Ms Hill and Mr. Trimingham had been ?authentic witnesses of the times,? Mr. Scott added.

?Both in their unique ways tell the story of who we are, where we have been and what we are becoming.?

The Premier congratulated the BNG for their efforts in preserving Bermuda?s artistic heritage and ?fostering initiatives which ensure that our local artists receive the recognition they so richly deserve.?

?When we give to the arts ? as students, artists, teachers, enthusiasts, collectors or patrons ? we contribute something vital to the perspectives of our times and in return we gain a building block of understanding that contributes to our future.?